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8.19.2012

And how

Back in January, I told you that New Year’s Day felt like a genuine starting line this year. I said that 2012 would be a year for working hard on things I care about. All I can say is and how. It’s been the workiest time, the best time. And it’s about to get even better because today, I finally get to tell you what I’ve been working on. It’s a four letter word that starts with a “B” and no, I don’t mean another baby. Friends, I’m writing a book.

You know, I’ve been wondering what it would take to make those words feel real. Shipping off my proposal, maybe, or the meeting at Penguin in New York, or testing my first recipe last Sunday morning or – certainly, certainly – hearing from my agent on Friday that the contract is officially good to go. But honestly, friends, getting to type those words here, just now, is what’s made me believe them. So before I go any further, I want to thank you, for your cheers, for your every kindness, for your company in the kitchen and right here over these last weird and wonderful years. This book would not be happening if it weren’t for you, all of you, and I mean that in the most literal sense.

It was four years ago today that an aneurysm burst in my brain. August 19th is my “aneur-versary,” and I love that I get to share this news with you on today of all days. The book (my book!) is a memoir with recipes, to be published by The Penguin Group in the fall of 2014. It’s the story of my illness and recovery and what I learned along the way, that food had something to tell me, and that it felt good to listen. It’s about cooking and baking myself back together again, fixing what’s broken, and living with what can’t be fixed. It’s a love story. Mine and Eli’s, yes, but also one writ large, about the people who reminded me who I was when I felt least like myself. Above all, it’s about what it means to nourish and be nourished, to remember what it is to be hungry, to honor that hunger, and learn how to feed it.

My manuscript is due in a year, and I’m taking a leave of absence from graduate school to write it. You read that correctly: I’ll be writing full-time. I’m excited to see what that’s like.

Some thanks are in order before I sign off today, first to three dear friends who shepherded me through the proposal writing. (Let me tell you, I can be one unruly sheep.) Molly, Luisa, Molly, I hardly know what to say. You inspire the heck out of me. This process might have felt terribly lonely, but it didn’t, and that’s because of you. And then there’s the matter of one Eli Schleifer, the guy who reads my every word, once, twice, as many times as it takes, who makes me better, braver, and reminds me when I need reminding that once you’ve figured out what you love most to do, you don’t get not to do it. You, my dear, are an incorrigible smarty pants. I’m so happy you’re mine.

Finally, because it bears repeating, another big thanks to you, friends. You’re the ones who made me think I could do this in the first place, you know. Thank you for that, for being here, and for making all of this so much fun.

Jess! Congratulations and what amazing news. I cannot wait to read your book, but, holy smokes, you are one busy lady! :). I know that your words will be nothing short of amazing and I am so happy for you. We will all be with you, cheering you on, as you take this leap into such exciting territory. Congrats again! xo nina

I didn't realize your aneurysm anniversary was the 19th - Cal's birthday! Now he's 8, and you have that behind you by four years. I know those anniversaries are big deals - here's to moving on from #4.

Hip hip hooray! If the book has even an ounce of the love, attention, detail and care you put into that proposal, there are going to be some very very happy readers out there, m'dear. I cannot wait to sample and test and tastes the fruits of your labor along the way, my friend. You are a little slice of magic, Jessica. xo

Oh Jess, congratulations, million times!! Seeing what beautiful writing and food you've been treating us to over here, there is no doubt in my mind this book is going to be a feast. You are an inspiration to match. I'm so happy for you!!

Hooray, for all the world to hear and know. I know I am (nowhere near) not alone in beginning the foot tapping now for fall of 2014. And if said book is anything like the latter half of paragraph 3? Well, not a one of us will have tapped one moment too long.

KUDOS!it was four years ago that i found SA…"the other side." it has been a wonderful journey (filled with grand recipes & brilliant writing). we all look forward to this new adventure & where it will take us…cannot wait to get your book in my hands!….oh…to the book tour….yeah!!

Congratulations! I am new to your blog, but I must say I am inspired by what you write and I really look forward to reading your book next year! What a journey you are on. Thanks for bringing us along for the ride.

I've read along quietly for years, but had to pop in to say a huge and wholehearted CONGRATS! Your writing and recipes are gorgeous and have pulled me right in from the start. Looking forward to reading more.

I raise a virtual glass to you (and a real one tonight filled with prosecco). Excuse me spell check is trying to change prosecco to process and we don't want that. Terrific news, very well deserved sing Luca and I. Go forth and write x

Oh! Oh oh oh! Congratulations, sweet Jess, you are one heck of a writer, cook, and baker. Thanks for all the joy you've brought me and my kitchen, and I can't wait to see what's next. (I mean, I get that the book is next, but it's what is _inside_ the book that has me excited, with wooden spoon in hand.)

How wonderful, Jess! I love your description of the book and I absolutely cannot wait to hear how the process is going for you...and of course for the finished product! It must feel exhilarating and I couldn't be happier for you!

I read this post just before I boarded a plane back to Zürich and I have been thinking about it and you since. I am just SO excited for you I can barely stand it. But I'm also really excited for me too, because I get to read your wonderful book. And I know it will be wonderful because everything you write, cook, photograph here is just that, wonderful, absolutely, without a doubt some of the best out there. Happy aneur-versary - so glad you found the road to recovery and that you've let us all be a part of the ride. Hip Hip HOORAY!

OH MY GOD OH MY GOD OH MY GOD! I'm just seeing this now and am just beaming from the other coast. Congrats, Jess! I'm so, so thrilled with you and would be happy to book commiserate/panic/long-distance drink with you anytime. The book sounds fantastic. Yahoooooo!

I saw mention of a manuscript on Instagram today and felt like - how did I not know about her book?! Of course, I know you'll understand how much our lil ones may pull our attentions away from the online realm for a time, so please accept my tardy CONGRATS!!! Very happy for you, Jess. Looking forward to the read.